Category: Color Photography

The Race For Love

Color Photography, wildlife
Hello Friends! Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “Best Buds In Sunshine 81821” and is available for purchase by clicking the thumbnail and reaching out to me on the contact page.

The morning sun grows firce as it’s circle brings it in line with little slice of Appalachia. There’s no morning dew and that tells me that the rain is on its way soon. Between the prickly lettuce and the Japanese Knotweed the pollinators are having a party. The skipper butterflies are darting around everywhere and two of them seem to be playing tag with each other. Though very small they are extremely swift. If I’ve understood correctly their speed rivals that of a dragonfly. Correction.. the Dragonfly speed is officially just under 35 mph and the butterflies can reach 37 mph. So depending on individual skill levels it would be a race to behold. But these two are racing each other. I watched them zip around all the blooms and stop only to feed and refuel. They were like stockcars leaving the pits. They seemed to wait for each other before taking off again and eventually landing together on the leaf in front of me. Normally, skipper butterflies are very territorial and don’t tolerate sharing a perch unless… They’re mated! I began to understand that this race is a race to determine a worthy candidate for passing on genes. The smaller one must be the male as is common among insects and he also seems to be the one who is following the lead. If he can impress her with speed and ability he’ll win the prize and have a mate. He’ll get to be “best buds” forever.

Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.

Announcement 2.0

For those who have been following me on Facebook and know of the struggle content providers have to get circulation from big tech I’ve been recommending for people to adopt MeWe as a social media platform. One of the problems I’ve run into on MeWe is that people don’t know how to navigate the platform. So to help with that I’ve created a permanent page on my website as a basic Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe I’ve tried to anticipate all basic questions there and You can bookmark the page to have as a reference and if you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me. I do still have a day job and I help admin several pages on both platforms so replies might be a little slow but I will answer you.

We also have the Lloyd’s Lens Photography Discussion Group on MeWe that is set up as a fully functional community. There you’ll not only be able to see and connect with me but you can also make your own posts and interact with each other.

I want you to join my group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lloydslensphotographydiscussiongroup

Click the link below to jump to the Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe.https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/guide-to-mewe/embed/#?secret=GJGnIQEVHc

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

WELCOME TO LLOYD’S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/embed/#?secret=ZBipPVJdZw

Click here to visithttps://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply use the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.

Clicking on the photo takes you tohttps://www.zazzle.com/lloydslensphotos?rf=238248269630914251Lastly, all of the photos and writings are my original work unless otherwise specified and are not to be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission from the photographerThank you again for your support of my page!♥️

The Blessings Of A Rainy Day

Color Photography, Prints Available From Lloyd's Lens Photography, Thoughts and Musing, wildlife
Hello Friends! Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “Collected Blessings 81621” and is available for purchase by clicking the thumbnail and reaching out to me on the contact page.

As I look up from my desk I see that hummingbirds are gathered around the feeder in the rain. It’s not really a storm but the rain is heavy and steady at times. It doesn’t really surprise me because today is August the 16th. My birthday. I could be misremembering but I cannot recall a birthday that didn’t involve at least a mild sprinkle. The first birthday party in my memory was age 3 and I remember it was at the shelter of Hawks Nest State Park and everyone was gathered under the shelter away from the rain. But the rain has never really ruined my plans. If anything it’s come at just the right time to cool things off a little. It’s a welcome change after the dog days are over. I love the smell of the forest after a good rain and when I younger I would even run out sometimes and just allow the rain to give me a good soaking. I’ve come to think of the August 16th rain as a special gift from God. In some years it’s actually the first rainfall after a drought. Which is a true blessing for an agriculture based lifestyle. In the old days before greenhouses and interstate highways the mid August rain was something that we prayed for. I can remember at least one summer when there was no waterline to the farm and the wells were dry. So when I get my “Birthday Rain” I’m very thankful indeed. Even today I went out for just a few minutes let that wonderful rain wash over me.

Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.

Announcement 2.0

For those who have been following me on Facebook and know of the struggle content providers have to get circulation from big tech I’ve been recommending for people to adopt MeWe as a social media platform. One of the problems I’ve run into on MeWe is that people don’t know how to navigate the platform. So to help with that I’ve created a permanent page on my website as a basic Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe I’ve tried to anticipate all basic questions there and You can bookmark the page to have as a reference and if you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me. I do still have a day job and I help admin several pages on both platforms so replies might be a little slow but I will answer you.

We also have the Lloyd’s Lens Photography Discussion Group on MeWe that is set up as a fully functional community. There you’ll not only be able to see and connect with me but you can also make your own posts and interact with each other.

I want you to join my group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lloydslensphotographydiscussiongroup

Click the link below to jump to the Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe.https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/guide-to-mewe/embed/#?secret=GJGnIQEVHc

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

WELCOME TO LLOYD’S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/embed/#?secret=ZBipPVJdZw

Click here to visithttps://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply use the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.

Clicking on the photo takes you tohttps://www.zazzle.com/lloydslensphotos?rf=238248269630914251Lastly, all of the photos and writings are my original work unless otherwise specified and are not to be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission from the photographerThank you again for your support of my page!♥️

A Moment With The Sky Dancer

Color Photography, wildlife
Hello Friends! Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “Sunny Day Visitor 81621” and is available for purchase by clicking the thumbnail and reaching out to me on the contact page.

The mountains fall silent for a while as the twenty-first century fails. Some unknown issue with the internet, phones and TV thrusts my back into a time when a face to face conversation was the only option. One man’s inconvenience is another man’s opportunity for tranquility. The angry sun hasn’t quite hit it’s full blaze and the morning is still cool enough to enjoy the break from most technology. I’m thankful for the fact that my digital camera works regardless of connection speed and set about the property lines in search of real life. Though alien to the Appalachian Mountains the Japanese Knotweed is thriving along my creek and the pollinators are having a field day! I think I must have every local species of bee and wasp teeming through the spiked flowers. As I move in to get a better look swift movement near the water catches my eye. A female ebony jewelwing sticks a perfect landing on the tip of a leaf. Ebony Jewelwings are damselflies but unlike most of the Odonata ( dragonflies and damselflies ) they have dark wings. The males have opaque wings and shiny metallic green or blue bodies and the female’s wings are smokey amber and they have darker colored bodies. The Jewelwing also has a tendency to keep its wings folded while at rest and occasionally flashes them. And that’s just what she done for us as the shutter snapped. Her translucent wings shimmer in the light with all the brilliance of a gemstone. The tips seem to hold four stars. One at each tip. I’m reminded of Biblical descriptions of seraphim that circle the throne of God and the world of mystery contained within their shimmering wings. The little Jewelwing is only still for a few moments before it takes to the sky in an aerial ballet and ventures upstream to a new destination. It’s dancing to a song that only the breeze can sing and only real life, ( that life not constrained to the flow of data) can hear.

Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.

Announcement 2.0

For those who have been following me on Facebook and know of the struggle content providers have to get circulation from big tech I’ve been recommending for people to adopt MeWe as a social media platform. One of the problems I’ve run into on MeWe is that people don’t know how to navigate the platform. So to help with that I’ve created a permanent page on my website as a basic Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe I’ve tried to anticipate all basic questions there and You can bookmark the page to have as a reference and if you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me. I do still have a day job and I help admin several pages on both platforms so replies might be a little slow but I will answer you.

We also have the Lloyd’s Lens Photography Discussion Group on MeWe that is set up as a fully functional community. There you’ll not only be able to see and connect with me but you can also make your own posts and interact with each other.

I want you to join my group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lloydslensphotographydiscussiongroup

Click the link below to jump to the Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe.https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/guide-to-mewe/embed/#?secret=GJGnIQEVHc

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

WELCOME TO LLOYD’S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/embed/#?secret=ZBipPVJdZw

Click here to visithttps://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply use the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.

Clicking on the photo takes you tohttps://www.zazzle.com/lloydslensphotos?rf=238248269630914251Lastly, all of the photos and writings are my original work unless otherwise specified and are not to be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission from the photographerThank you again for your support of my page!♥️

Viceroy Butterfly Encounter 2021

Color Photography, wildlife
Hello Friends! Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “Viceroy Butterfly 81421” and is available for purchase by clicking the thumbnail and reaching out to me on the contact page.

On a warm breeze that flows from the mountains comes the wings of stained glass. He soars with ease and lands ever so lightly on his mark. The royal markings of his wings always make me think that a little piece of sunset has broken off and sprung to life. Though smaller in size the Viceroy Butterfly is no less regal than the Monarch. If it wasn’t for the little black horizontal bar on his hind wings it would be very difficult to tell him apart from a Monarch. He’s drawn in by the sweet scent of the Joe-Pye-Weed. Even though the blooms have not fully opened they fill the air with a call that rivals that of the pied piper. Delicate legs nimbly explore each bud before descending to a lower leaf. The Viceroy rambles about his newfound treasure searching for any signs that the sweet nectar is ready for harvest before launching himself back into the currents to sail the winds of August to his next conquest. As I watch from the big blue truck I wish him good winds and God’s Speed.

Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.

Announcement 2.0

For those who have been following me on Facebook and know of the struggle content providers have to get circulation from big tech I’ve been recommending for people to adopt MeWe as a social media platform. One of the problems I’ve run into on MeWe is that people don’t know how to navigate the platform. So to help with that I’ve created a permanent page on my website as a basic Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe I’ve tried to anticipate all basic questions there and You can bookmark the page to have as a reference and if you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me. I do still have a day job and I help admin several pages on both platforms so replies might be a little slow but I will answer you.

We also have the Lloyd’s Lens Photography Discussion Group on MeWe that is set up as a fully functional community. There you’ll not only be able to see and connect with me but you can also make your own posts and interact with each other.

I want you to join my group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lloydslensphotographydiscussiongroup

Click the link below to jump to the Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe.https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/guide-to-mewe/embed/#?secret=GJGnIQEVHc

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

WELCOME TO LLOYD’S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/embed/#?secret=ZBipPVJdZw

Click here to visithttps://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply use the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.

Clicking on the photo takes you tohttps://www.zazzle.com/lloydslensphotos?rf=238248269630914251Lastly, all of the photos and writings are my original work unless otherwise specified and are not to be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission from the photographerThank you again for your support of my page!♥️

Forage Friday #120. Wild Basil

Color Photography, Forage Friday
Hello Friends! Tonight’s Feature Image is titled “Wild Basil 81321a” and is available for purchase by clicking the thumbnail and reaching out to me on the contact page.

Please remember that Forage Friday is presented as trivia and not to be mistaken for medical advice.

A little skipper butterfly first drew my attention to the small purple flowers that seemed to be stuck in pincushions growing under a barbed wire fence. The cluster of small hairy plants reminded me of something from a Dr. Seuss landscape in one of his books. The aroma and square stem let’s me know that this is one of the mints. The flavor is also minty with a peppery undertone. This is wild Basil. But it’s not really the same as Basil from the herb section of a grocery store or the infamous garden herb. Both are in the mint family and the flavor is close enough to Holy Basil that they’re used in similar ways. I’ve not looked it up specifically but it’s a bit of a “no brainer” that in tough times wild basil would have been used to flavor meats and stews. I can easily imagine people of my grandfather’s generation sweeping the edges of the Appalachian forests and collecting wild basil along with the other herbs of mid to late summer. Some would be used fresh and the rest hung to cure on a wire where the wind could help dry them but the sun and rain couldn’t ruin them. The leaves would be broken up and perhaps the stem would be ground to a powder. The end product was stored in a Mason jar or repurposed tobacco tin for winter uses.

Image Titled “Wild Basil 81321b”.

The plant is astringent and could have used to treat skin irritation. It’s considered to be a cardiostimulant in traditional medicine. Old time doctors would have recommended this plant to aid in digestion and since it’s got at least some eugenol it may have been part of a compound for managing blood sugar. Although I can’t really confirm that at this time. It’s listed as an expectorant which means it’s believed to help aid in expelling phlegm. It’s not really hard to imagine a family member with a cough being fed a broth that contains a good amount of any of the mints and especially ones like wild sage and wild basil. Such home remedies were prevalent in the post Civil War Era when the South was still rebuilding.

That’s it for tonight’s Forage Friday. Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.

Announcement 2.0

For those who have been following me on Facebook and know of the struggle content providers have to get circulation from big tech I’ve been recommending for people to adopt MeWe as a social media platform. One of the problems I’ve run into on MeWe is that people don’t know how to navigate the platform. So to help with that I’ve created a permanent page on my website as a basic Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe I’ve tried to anticipate all basic questions there and You can bookmark the page to have as a reference and if you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me. I do still have a day job and I help admin several pages on both platforms so replies might be a little slow but I will answer you.

We also have the Lloyd’s Lens Photography Discussion Group on MeWe that is set up as a fully functional community. There you’ll not only be able to see and connect with me but you can also make your own posts and interact with each other.

I want you to join my group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lloydslensphotographydiscussiongroup

Click the link below to jump to the Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe.https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/guide-to-mewe/embed/#?secret=GJGnIQEVHc

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

WELCOME TO LLOYD’S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/embed/#?secret=ZBipPVJdZw

Click here to visithttps://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply use the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.

Clicking on the photo takes you tohttps://www.zazzle.com/lloydslensphotos?rf=238248269630914251Lastly, all of the photos and writings are my original work unless otherwise specified and are not to be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission from the photographerThank you again for your support of my page!♥️